Got laid off in India? Do these 7 things in the first 72 hours.

The first seventy-two hours after a layoff set the tone for the next six months. Most people spend them refreshing LinkedIn and replaying the conversation. Here is a better order of operations.

1. Get everything in writing

Before you hand back the laptop, email yourself a copy of your offer letter, appraisal letters, payslips for the last twelve months, and the termination communication. Once access is revoked, retrieving these becomes a two-week ordeal.

2. Read the separation letter twice

Check the last working day, notice pay, and whether your leave balance is being encashed. Errors here are common and easiest to fix in the first week.

Every day you delay the paperwork is a day added to the gap on your CV.

3. Confirm your full and final settlement timeline

Ask HR for a written date. Under most Indian company policies, FnF is settled within 30 to 45 days of the last working day.

4. Move your PF and check gratuity eligibility

If you have completed five continuous years, gratuity is your legal right. Raise the claim now, not later.

5. Sort out health insurance immediately

Corporate group cover usually lapses on the last working day. A personal policy takes days to activate and has waiting periods. Do not leave your family uncovered.

6. Build the 90-day cash plan

List fixed outflows: EMIs, rent, school fees, insurance premiums. Work out how many months your severance plus savings covers. This number decides how selective you can be.

7. Tell fifteen people before you post publicly

Direct messages to former managers and colleagues produce more interviews than a public post. Send fifteen in the first three days.